by
Petsecure Pet Health Insurance
| Feb 06, 2012
Have you ever caught your dog brushing his teeth? Your kitty flossing? Wouldn’t it be great if our pets could manage their own dental health? Unfortunately, they can’t. As pet parents, we are solely responsible for keeping Chopper’s choppers clean and his breath as un-doggy as possible. Kitty’s red gums can be a serious sign of oral pain. Dental disease is a concern in cats and dogs alike.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), an astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are three years old. Dental disease affects not just oral health, but also can contribute to heart, liver, and kidney problems. Researchers have found that small breed dogs and cats will live 15-20% longer if they receive routine dental care as needed throughout their lifetime. Even large-breed dogs may live 10-15% longer.
Dogs can get cavities, but they are generally more likely to have periodontal disease. Cats develop oral resorptive lesions that can look like cavities but, in reality, are more painful.
Plaque is caused by the mixture of saliva, food particles and bacteria building up between the teeth and gums. Calcium salts are produced by the bacteria and deposited against the tooth surface. This deposit is what we call tartar. Dental disease begins with gingivitis or inflammation of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is reversible, but the progression of inflammation at the gumline can lead to increased tartar build-up and infection. Over time, there may be destruction of the soft tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. This condition is known as periodontal disease. Once there has been enough bone loss, teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Dogs and cats feel discomfort and pain much like people do. I know that pets will still appear to eat normally with dental disease. Trust me, it doesn’t mean they are not bothered by the condition. A dog who has acutely broken a tooth will show pain. You will notice that she either avoids eating or doesn’t chew on the side of the mouth with the broken tooth. In general, however, dogs and cats develop periodontal disease so slowly, they don’t know it’s NOT supposed to hurt. I have seen dogs with multiple loose teeth in their mouths with the teeth held in place by a bridge of tartar. They have rotten breath. They still love eating and love their food, but they can’t actually chew anymore. They gulp down kibble, and their pet parents tell me everything is fine. Honestly, it’s not.
Veterinarians can help make these pets comfortable again. Your veterinarian will recommend that your pet’s teeth be cleaned based on the stage of dental disease. With 60% of all dental problems occurring below the gumline and in the back teeth, a pet needs to be anaesthetized to facilitate a complete dental procedure. Your veterinarian will perform a complete evaluation of the mouth, teeth, and throat and take dental x-rays to evaluate any tooth changes or loss of bone around the tooth sockets. An animal health technologist will clean the teeth just like your dental hygienist cleans yours. If there are changes that require additional work (tooth extraction, root canals, dental surgery), your veterinarian will contact you and advise you of the treatment plan.
Once your pet’s mouth has healed, your veterinarian and his staff will be able to help you put a home dental care plan into place. Plaque will begin to form very quickly, even in a clean mouth. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is the gold standard of home care. There are a number of pet-friendly pastes, gels, and rinses to help minimize plaque build-up and will assist in keeping your pet’s teeth clean. Check with your veterinarian regarding oral additives to the water and special dental diets that help to remove plaque and tartar that have deposited on the teeth. You want to look for products that carry the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) logo and show they are actually effective in helping to maintain a healthy mouth.
Give your dog a hug. Cuddle your cat. Take a peek under the lip. Check for signs of redness, tartar build-up, tooth loss, or bad breath. If you see anything that concerns you, call your local veterinary hospital and make an appointment for a check-up. Your pet will thank you.
Have a question for Dr. Skavinsky? Email us at askavet@petsecure.com and your question could be featured in our next Ask-A-Vet blog.